Breakthrough Study Shows Nasal Spray Could Slow Brain Ageing

Breakthrough Study Shows Nasal Spray Could Slow Brain Ageing

Researchers have developed an experimental nasal spray treatment that may help reduce brain inflammation and improve memory, raising new possibilities for tackling age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions. The study was carried out at the Texas A&M University College of Medicine, where scientists examined whether targeted delivery of biological compounds through the nose could influence brain function and slow aspects of brain ageing. Researchers say the findings suggest that certain effects of ageing on the brain may be more modifiable than previously understood, particularly when inflammation in memory-related regions is addressed.

As people age, the brain can experience a gradual build-up of low-level inflammation in areas responsible for memory and learning. This process, known as “neuroinflammaging,” has been associated with slower thinking, reduced memory performance, and a higher risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The research team noted that targeting this inflammation could be key to preserving cognitive function in older adults.

The study was led by Professor Ashok Shetty, alongside researchers Madhu Leelavathi Narayana and Maheedhar Kodali. The team used tiny biological particles known as extracellular vesicles as the basis for the treatment. These vesicles carry microRNAs, which help regulate gene activity in cells. When delivered via a nasal spray, they are able to travel directly to the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier, which typically limits the effectiveness of many treatments.

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Once in the brain, the treatment was found to reduce inflammation and improve the function of mitochondria, the structures responsible for producing energy in brain cells. This improvement is believed to support better cognitive performance. In experimental models, subjects that received the nasal spray showed improvements in memory-related tasks, including better recognition of familiar objects and improved responses to environmental changes.

Researchers observed that some of these improvements appeared within weeks of treatment and, in certain cases, lasted for several months, suggesting a potentially sustained impact on brain function. The findings were published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, a peer-reviewed scientific journal focused on cellular communication and regenerative medicine.

Scientists believe the results could eventually contribute to new treatments for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other age-related neurological disorders, as well as recovery therapies for stroke patients. However, the researchers stressed that the work is still in its early stages and has so far only been tested in experimental models.

Experts involved in the study cautioned that human clinical trials are necessary before any conclusions can be drawn about safety, effectiveness, or long-term use. They also noted that while early results are promising, many treatments that succeed in laboratory studies do not always produce the same outcomes in humans.

Despite these limitations, the study represents an important step in understanding how brain inflammation, cellular energy loss, and ageing are connected. Researchers say the goal is not only to treat disease but also to support healthier brain ageing, helping people maintain memory, focus, and mental performance later in life.

Breakthrough Study Shows Nasal Spray Could Slow Brain Ageing